Glands in the external portion of the ear canal produce earwax, also referred to as cerumen. Functions of earwax include trapping bacteria that can cause an ear infection and coating the skin in the ear canal to prevent irritation. Earwax will generally work its way out of the ear and does not require removal. Some individuals produce excessive amounts of earwax. The earwax can harden and cause symptoms such as pain and hearing loss. Properly cleaning the earwax from the ear helps prevent complications, such as puncturing the eardrum.
Washcloth
Using a warm washcloth and mild soap, a person can wash earwax that falls into the external portion of the ear. Physicians recommend avoiding the use of any products placed into the ear to manually remove wax. Using items such as a cotton tipped swab or hair pin can push the earwax further into the ear.
Wax Softeners
Several products can help soften the wax trapped in the ear canal. Instilling a few drops of mineral oil, baby oil or glycerin can help the wax soften. Some over-the-counter products will also help with this process. Although the wax will soften, this method does not remove the wax from the ear immediately. The softened earwax can slide to the outer portion of the ear for the individual to wipe away. This method is most effective when following it with irrigation, according to the Merck Manuals.
Detergent Drops
Placing drops of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide can help remove earwax from the ear. These products are available of the counter and help dissolve excessive amounts of wax. After leaving the drops in the ear for a few minutes, the person can drain the wax and drops from the ear by tilting the head.
Irrigation
Irrigating the ear with water or saline can help remove excessive earwax. Warming the fluid before irrigating with it will help prevent dizziness as a side effect, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Prior to irrigation, placing softening agents such as baby oil will help prepare the earwax for removal. Individuals need to wait approximately 15 to 30 minutes between instilling the drops and irrigating the ear. To irrigate the ear, the person tilts the head to the side so the ear is facing up and uses a syringe to stream the warm water or saline into the ear canal. Tilt the head helps to drain the fluid and earwax after the irrigation. Repeat the procedure as necessary. Avoid irrigation with a ruptured eardrum to prevent the fluid from entering the inner ear, according to MedlinePlus.
Manual Removal
For earwax unrelieved by drops or irrigation, a physician can use special tools in the office to remove excessive earwax. Some of the tools available for an otolaryngologist to use include a suction tool and a long tool with a scoop on the end.
